Land Rover Freelander: owner feedback, technical specifications, photo

Land Rover Freelender is a compact off-road vehicle (SUV) from the British manufacturer Land Rover. There is a front-wheel and all-wheel drive versions. The current generation is sold as LR2 in North America and as Freelander 2 in Europe.

First generation (1997-2006)

As early as the 1980s, the Rover Group car market research showed the need for a compact premium SUV. However, due to lack of own resources and the refusal of a number of partners from cooperation, the process of creating Freelander stretched for a decade.

Meanwhile, "Freelander" was launched in late 1997, becoming the best-selling in Europe all-wheel drive model until 2002. As evidenced by the reviews, "Land Rover Freelander" liked motorists reliability, compact size, not typical for SUV's rich interior decoration, convenience, equipment. The last machines of the first generation in North America were sold in 2005.

Modifications

The model differs in a variety of modifications. There are five-door, three-door civil and commercial (Commercial Van) versions, with a soft or hard roof. In the softback halfback, a soft awning is placed just above the rear of the car.

In 2004, Land Rover introduced an improved and modernized version of Mark I. The changes included a new interior, a significant redesign of the rear end of the car.

• Options for finishing three-door models: E, S, SE, sport, sport-premium.
• Five-door models: E, S, SE, HSE, sport, sport-premium.

Engines

In the Land Rover Freelander car, the engine performance is as follows:

• The brand 1.8i I4 Rover K series (1997-2006), gasoline. This four-cylinder 1.8-liter (1796 cm ³ ) motor with 16 valves, a capacity of 118 liters. With., The torque of 158 Nm.
• Di, XDi - 2-liter (1994 cm ³ ) turbocharged engine I4 Rover L series (1997-2000), diesel, 96 hp. With. / 210 Nm.
• TD4 - 2-liter (1995 cm ³ ) I4 BMW M47TUD20 (2001-2006), diesel, 148 hp. With. / 300 Nm.
• V6 - 2.5-liter V6 Rover KV6 (2001-2006), petrol, 177 hp. from.

Mechanical gearboxes prevail on early models. For V6 engines, the standard Tiptronic gearbox with gearbox is standard.

Reviews: "Land Rover Freelender" of the first generation

The first generation Freelander cars were involved in the prestigious international rally Camel Trophy and G4 Challenge in 1998. In general, SUVs have proven themselves well. But these were improved modifications.

In the serial models, the main disadvantage of the Land Rover Freelander is that the car owners consider low traffic. The car is a compromise between the large Land Rover 4x4 and the mono-drive models, as there was neither a low range of gear selection nor a differential lock. This meant that, compared to other Land Rover, the off-road qualities of the "Freelander" are not so good.

Of the positive moments, most owners note the convenience, quality (English assembly), ease of management, incredible reliability, high noise insulation, sufficient power, even with diesel engines. Freelander became the first compact compact SUV in history to earn 5 stars in the EuroNCAP safety test.

Specifications: first generation

Land Rover Freelander, whose technical specifications depend on the modification, is the first model of the Rover Group company, not equipped with a frame, which has an independent suspension and a full drive with a 50/50 force distribution. Freelander-1 was the first "Land Rover" equipped with a system with controlled movement under the slope (system Hill Descent Control). Additional systems Traction Control and ABS help driving in off-road conditions. In the sport version, a rigid, 3 cm lowered suspension and 18 "rims are used.

• Wheel formula: 4x4 or 4x2.
• Arrangement: front-drive front-wheel or all-wheel drive front-engine.
• Transmission: five-speed manual transmission or five-speed automatic transmission.
• Wheel base is 2565 mm.
• The width is 1806 mm. Height: 3-door - 1707 mm, 5-door - 1750-1753 mm. Length: 3-door - 4448 mm, 5-door - 4422-4445 mm.

Second generation (2006-2014)

Debuted "Land Rover Freelender 2" in Britain in 2006 at the International Motor Show. The European name Freelander remained, acquiring the number 2. In North America, the model is sold under the name LR2. "Freelander" of the second generation is based on the platform "Ford EUCD", based, in turn, on the platform "Ford C1".

If we compare the first generation and the Land Rover Freelander 2, the testimonials indicate improved handling, smoothness of traffic, patency, and safety. Impressive spacious salon with chic decoration.

A new line of engines

The line of engines was replenished by a transversely installed 3,2-liter in-line six-cylinder engine of the Ford i6 series, as well as a 2,2 L DW12 turbodiesel. Gasoline unit i6 is more economical (by 10%) and more powerful (by 30%) previous V6 favorite. Develops an effort of 233 liters. With. / 171 kW. The speed at the maximum is 200 km / h, which is worthy for the SUV acceleration - 8.4 s. The consumption of gasoline is 11.2 liters. Due to the compact design, the motor was able to be placed transversely. This arrangement increases the level of safety, allows engineers to use the space to expand the cabin, reduce the overall dimensions of the car.

Characterizing the new power unit "Land Rover Freelander 2", the owners' testimonies testify to the increased power of the updated model. 233 horsepower - quite enough for a relatively light small crossover. Heaviness of the motor is enough to confidently climb the primer uphill. And on the road the car seems to fly.

Since 2012, on some modifications, a turbocharged two-liter petrol engine 240 liters is installed. from. At 1715 rpm, the torque is 340 Nm. The average consumption of gasoline (80% in the city, 20% on the highway) - 12.5 liters.

The updated diesel TD4 2.2 liters has also undergone a major alteration: the power has increased by 43% (if compared with the Di mark of the first generation), the consumption has slightly decreased. The maximum torque of 400 Nm (corresponding to 118 kW) is achieved at a power of 160 liters. from. In the range of rotational speeds of the crankshaft 1000-4500 rpm, the torque exceeds 200 Nm. The average consumption of gasoline is about 7.5 liters.

Specifications: the second generation

The characteristics of the Land Rover Freelander 2 have improved noticeably. It has a higher ground clearance and good off-road capabilities, which are closer to the "adult" Land Rover models. The interior became even richer. Standard features include extensive security features. Freelander 2 has a modified version of Terrain Response (off-road driving system), a 4WD system.

Gasoline unit "Land Rover Freelander" i6 works in conjunction with the new 6 automatic transmission. The box design allows the transfer to be switched manually, if the Command Shift mode is selected. For fans of dynamic acceleration, a sport switching mode is provided. The new TD4 is compatible with 6ACP and 6 manual transmissions.

• Wheel formula: 4x4 or 4x2.
• Transmission: 6 manual transmission, 6 automatic transmission.
• Wheel base is 2660 mm.
• Width / Height / Length - 1910/1740/4500 mm.
• Weight - 1776-1820 kg.

Land Rover Freelender: owner feedback

According to most owners, the updated model really corresponds to the premium class. A polished appearance with an expressive radiator grille, the same color of bumpers and bodywork, wide headlights with a complex arrangement of optical elements create an integral look of a powerful and at the same time stylish "Land Rover Freelander". The photo does not reflect all the charm of the salon. It has become more spacious, comfortable. The quality and level of finishing has improved. An excellent speaker system is installed.

Compared with the first generation, the passability of the car has become much higher. Now do not be afraid to leave the track on the primer: 210 mm clearance is enough to move along the muddy roads.

Domestic car owners complain about the inability of the model to Russian realities. Freelander 2 is designed for European roads. Due to the lack of factory anti-rust preparation from the salt used in winter, the bottom rusts. And also some body elements. It is mandatory to carry out additional corrosion protection. These machines with diesel units in the frosts are badly turned on, after 3 unsuccessful attempts to start the automation blocks the system, a flashing is required. The units are very sensitive to the quality of the fuel. When the motor pads are frozen, the vibration is transferred to the steering wheel and body.

In general, Freelander meets the expectations of customers. The car has something to criticize and admire.